| Duration: | 13 Day(s) - 12 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Mountaineering |
Activities:
Hiking, trekking, mountaineering, and sightseeing.
Necessary Equipment:
Sleeping bag (comfort rating -1°C), backpacking boots, trekking poles, and warm clothing.
Trip Highlights:
Climbing Mt. Sabalan (4,811 m), visiting Shahsavan nomads, Anzali Wetland, Rudkhan Castle, Masouleh Village, Alamut, and the Castles of the Assassins.
Sightseeing in Masouleh, Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz.
Description:
Sabalan is a volcanic mountain located in Ardabil Province in northwestern Iran.
It is the third-highest peak in Iran. At the summit, you will find a large and beautiful crater lake, which makes this mountain unique. During the summer, Shahsavan nomads migrate to the slopes of Sabalan and remain there until the end of the season.
Because Sabalan is a dormant volcano, there are numerous hot springs on its slopes that are widely used for hydrotherapy. Sarein is a small mountain town on the slopes of Sabalan, famous throughout the Middle East for its many natural hot springs.
Day 01: Arrival in Tehran and Flight to Ardabil
After welcoming the group at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, we transfer directly to the domestic airport for a 45-minute flight to Ardabil.
Upon arrival, we check into a hotel in the city center. After lunch, we visit the historic Sheikh Safi al-Din Mausoleum. In the evening, we enjoy local Azerbaijani cuisine. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 02: Shabil and Trek to Sabalan Shelter
We wake up early and enjoy a traditional breakfast with local honey and butter. We then drive to Shabil (2,500 m), the starting point of our trek on the northeastern route.
The drive from Ardabil to Shabil takes approximately two hours. Our main backpacks are transported to the shelter by a four-wheel-drive vehicle, while we hike with light daypacks.
The trail is green, filled with wildflowers, and not particularly steep.
Along the way, we visit Shahsavan nomads and may enjoy a meal in their traditional tents made from sheep's wool.
The trek takes approximately four hours to reach the shelter at 3,800 meters.
In the evening, we take a one-hour acclimatization hike before returning to the shelter. After a light dinner, we rest early. Full Board (F/B).
Day 03: Sabalan Summit Day
We wake up at 5:00 AM, have a light breakfast, and begin our ascent.
The route is not technically difficult, although temperatures can be cold. Along the trail, you will see volcanic rocks and ash formations in a variety of shapes.
After approximately four hours, we reach the summit.
At the summit lies the spectacular crater lake of Sabalan, measuring approximately 100 by 70 meters and reaching a depth of around 50 meters. It remains frozen for much of the year, but in July and August the ice melts, revealing crystal-clear water.
We spend time enjoying the scenery and taking photographs before descending.
The descent takes about two hours. After lunch at the shelter, we drive back to Shabil.
There, we relax in the natural hot springs. After soaking in the warm mineral waters, the fatigue of the climb quickly disappears.
We return to our hotel in Ardabil for the night. Full Board (F/B).
Day 04: Caspian Sea, Anzali Wetland, and Masouleh
Today, we travel toward the Caspian Sea to visit Bandar Anzali Wetland, famous for its beautiful water lilies, as well as Masouleh Village.
We drive via the Ardabil–Astara Road, following the Azerbaijan border.
After approximately three hours, we stop at Gisoom Beach, where you may enjoy a swim in the Caspian Sea.
We continue to Bandar Anzali, an important Caspian port, and enjoy a seafood lunch.
After lunch, we take a boat trip through the protected wetland to observe water lilies and migratory birds.
Following a visit to the local fish market, we continue to Masouleh, renowned for its extraordinary hillside architecture.
Overnight in a traditional guesthouse. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 05: Rudkhan Castle and Ovan Lake
From Masouleh, we travel to Fuman and continue to the magnificent Rudkhan Castle, one of the largest and best-preserved mountain fortresses in Gilan Province.
A one-hour forest hike leads us to the castle.
After visiting the site, we enjoy lunch and drive via Rasht and Qazvin to Ovan Lake.
We camp beside this beautiful mountain lake. Overnight in tents. Full Board (F/B).
Day 06: Alamut and Return to Tehran
Today, we visit Alamut and the famous Castles of the Assassins.
These fortresses date back to the 11th century and were used by Hasan Sabbah and his followers as strategic strongholds.
In the evening, we drive to Tehran and check into a hotel in the city center. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 07: Tehran Sightseeing
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Tehran, including the Traditional Bazaar, the National Museum of Iran, the Glassware and Ceramic Museum, and Niavaran Palace.
Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 08: Shiraz and Persepolis
Early in the morning, transfer to Tehran Domestic Airport for your flight to Shiraz.
Upon arrival, we visit Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam, the royal tombs of the Achaemenid kings.
In the afternoon, we visit the Tomb of Hafez, one of Iran's greatest poets.
Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 09: Shiraz Sightseeing and Flight to Isfahan
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Shiraz, including Vakil Bazaar, the holy shrine of Shah Cheragh, and Narenjestan Garden.
In the evening, transfer to Shiraz Airport for your flight to Isfahan.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 10: Isfahan Sightseeing
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Isfahan, including Chehel Sotoun Palace, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Jameh Mosque, Imam Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
In the evening, take a walk along the Zayandeh Rood River.
Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 11: Isfahan Sightseeing
Today's sightseeing includes Vank Cathedral, the Julfa district, Chahar Bagh Street, and the Shaking Minarets.
In the evening, attend a traditional زورخانه (Zurkhaneh) performance, showcasing an ancient Iranian sport.
Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 12: Return to Tehran via Kashan and Abiyaneh
Drive to Tehran with visits to Kashan and the historic village of Abiyaneh.
Upon arrival in Tehran, check into your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport for your departure flight home.
